Avi Loeb , the Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University, is a leading astrophysicist and former Chair of Harvard's Department of Astronomy (2011-2020). He directs the Institute for Theory and Computation (ITC) and the Galileo Project (2021-present), while holding the Sackler Senior Professorship at Tel Aviv University. His research spans cosmology, black holes, interstellar objects, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Education: PhD in Physics from Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1986) Former Positions: Member of the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton (1988-1993) Loeb's research interests include: Gravitational wave detection and interstellar object analysis Simulation hypothesis and cosmic reality Technological signatures beyond the Standard Model His recent publications focus on 3I/ATLAS , gravitational SETI, and AI alignment in space exploration. Awards include being named among TIME's 25 Most Influential People in Space (2012), 14 Most Inspiring Israelis (2020), and ranking #3 in global astronomical impact (2024). He chairs the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative and advises the National Academies' Board on Physics and Astronomy.
Petra Kuppers is a Professor at the University of Michigan, specializing in disability culture, performance art, and ecocriticism. She holds a PhD from Falmouth College of Art/Plymouth University (1999) and is affiliated with multiple departments, including English, Drama, and Gender Studies. Her work bridges academic research with community-based performance, emphasizing socially just futures through art. Key roles include Artistic Director of The Olimpias, co-founder of Turtle Disco, and a Just Tech Fellow (2024–2026) for 'Planting Disabled Futures,' a VR project blending disability culture and environmental ethics. She teaches graduate courses on disability studies and creative writing, advising students through a monthly 'Research Coven.' Kuppers has authored influential books like *Disability and Contemporary Performance* (2003) and *Eco Soma* (2022), recognized with awards such as the Guggenheim Fellowship and ATHE Book Prize. Her poetry collections, including *Gut Botany* (2020) and *Diver Beneath the Street* (2024), explore intersections of disability, ecology, and true crime. Her research spans crip ecologies, archival activism, and somatic methods, with recent projects including *Crip/Mad Archive Dances* and participatory events like 'Crip Drifts.' She emphasizes accessibility in performance, digital art, and public engagement, often collaborating with Indigenous communities and global disability collectives.
Marilyn J Smith is the David S. Lewis Professor and Director of the Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence (VLRCOE) at the Georgia Institute of Technology's Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering. She leads a seven-university consortium conducting vertical lift research for the U.S. Army, Navy, and NASA, and has secured over $200 million in collaborative research funding. Computational Nonlinear Computational Aeroelasticity Lab Director NASA FUN3D development team contributor Aerospace Systems Design Lab (ASDL) affiliate Her research spans unsteady aerodynamics, computational aeroelasticity, and sustainable energy applications across rotary-wing, fixed-wing, and launch vehicles. She serves on the Vertical Lift Consortium (VLC) Board of Directors and Vertical Flight Society (VFS) Board, while acting as VFS Deputy Technical Director for Aeromechanics and leading international NATO AVT panels on UAV aerodynamics. Recent publications focus on galaxy cluster cosmology, ship-helicopter dynamic interface modeling, and Type Ia supernova analysis. She has won prestigious awards including the AIAA Aerodynamics Award and multiple American Helicopter Society honors for research, mentoring, and service. 2022 AIAA Aerodynamics Award 2015 Best Paper Awards at AHS Forum 2014 & 2012 AHS Agusta-Westland International Fellowships Her laboratory work integrates high-performance computing with aerospace design and develops advanced turbulence models through partnerships with Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). She contributes to public science communication with appearances on National Geographic, PBS, NPR, and local media.
Dr. Ruzan Sokhoyan is a Nanophotonics Research Scientist specializing in plasmonics and active metasurfaces. Her work focuses on advancing optical imaging, communication, and computation through tunable photonic structures. Core research in metasurface design for beam steering and polarization control Collaborative contributions with Harry A. Atwater and other leading researchers Publications in high-impact journals like ACS Nano and Advanced Optical Materials Her research explores electro-optic modulation , high-power laser beam manipulation , and dynamic photonic devices , with applications in optical communication and imaging. Recent work emphasizes inverse design approaches and liquid crystal-based tunable metasurfaces , reflecting trends toward reconfigurable and multifunctional photonic systems.
Harry Atwater is the Howard Hughes Professor of Applied Physics and Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He serves as Director of the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) and previously led the Light-Materials Interactions in Energy Conversion (LMI-EFRC) from 2009–2014. His research bridges photovoltaics, solar energy systems, plasmonics, and nanophotonics. Atwater pioneered the field of plasmonics and co-founded Alta Devices, a leader in GaAs photovoltaic technology. He holds over 200 publications and has been recognized with prestigious awards, including induction into the National Academy of Engineering (2015) and the ENI Prize (2012). His work spans cutting-edge innovations such as silicon wire array solar cells, metasurface technologies for optical manipulation, and space solar power systems. Current projects include developing lightsail propulsion for interstellar exploration and photothermocatalytic reactors for sustainable fuels. Atwater’s lab focuses on the intersection of nanophotonics and energy, exploring quantum emitters, carbon capture, and optomechanical systems. Research Highlights: Plasmonic light absorbers, metasurface-based imaging, and solar energy harvesting systems. Key Projects: Lightsail experiments, space-based solar power missions, and CO₂ reduction via electrochemical methods. Awards: Julius Springer Prize (2014), ISI Highly Cited Researcher (2014), and MRS Kavli Lecturer (2010).
Paul Wiegert is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Western Ontario , where he has been since 1996 after positions at York University and Queen's University. He is a member of the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration (IESX) and the Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX) . His research spans asteroid dynamics , exoplanet systems , and celestial mechanics , with notable work on Earth co-orbital asteroids like (3753) Cruithne and Earth's first Trojan asteroid 2010 TK7. Education : PhD in Astronomy (University of Toronto, 1996) Research Domains : Planetary Science, Astronomy, Big Data Analytics His recent publications focus on interstellar transport mechanisms , asteroid impact risks , and exomoon detection . Key findings include quantifying risks from asteroid 2024 YR4's potential lunar impact and demonstrating the feasibility of detecting alpha Centauri-origin material in our solar system. He actively supervises graduate students like Cole Gregg and participates in NSERC-funded summer research programs for undergraduates. For planetary defense, he has analyzed collision probabilities for Apophis and developed meteoroid hazard models for spacecraft. His work appears in Planetary Science Journal , Nature Astronomy , and Astrophysical Journal Letters , with media coverage in 60+ outlets and 126 X (Twitter) mentions .
Lynn Kistler is a Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Her research focuses on plasma physics, space weather, and magnetospheric dynamics, particularly investigating the interactions between the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere-ionosphere system. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Maryland, along with a B.S. from Harvey Mudd College. Dr. Kistler's work emphasizes understanding plasma processes such as ion outflow from the ionosphere, magnetic reconnection, and storm-time magnetospheric evolution. She has led studies using data from missions like the Van Allen Probes, Solar Orbiter, and Cluster, contributing to advancements in instrumentation (e.g., the SWA suite) and computational modeling. Her research bridges observational analysis, theoretical frameworks, and machine learning to address challenges in space weather prediction and plasma dynamics. Key areas of her research include the role of ionospheric ions (O⁺, H⁺) in plasma sheet dynamics, the effects of geomagnetic storms on ring current formation, and the behavior of heavy ions in near-Earth space. She has authored or co-authored over 260 publications, spanning journals like Nature Communications , Geophysical Research Letters , and Journal of Geophysical Research . Dr. Kistler has secured grants and collaborations through initiatives like the NASA Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) and has served as a co-investigator on multiple missions. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining spacecraft observations with ground-based data and numerical simulations to unravel the complexities of Earth's space environment.
Professor Andrew Newsam is a faculty member at Liverpool John Moores University's Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI), where he serves as Professor of Astronomy Education and Engagement since 2012. He has been instrumental in developing the National Schools' Observatory and astronomy distance learning courses, bridging observational astronomy with STEM education initiatives. Education: PhD in Astrophysics from University of Glasgow (1994), BSc in Physics with Computing from University of Warwick (1991) His research spans observational astronomy, high-energy astrophysics, and science education. Recent publications focus on nova remnants (RS Ophiuchi), gamma-ray bright novas (Nova Persei 2018, V392 Persei), microlensing surveys (Angstrom Project), and educational outreach. He has contributed to planetary eclipse studies and interstellar dynamics research. Key trends in his publications include: binary star systems (56% of works), transient phenomena (43%), and educational technology (35%). His citations show strong engagement with nova studies (22% of total citations) and microlensing research (19% of total citations). Scientific Awards: Teaching Fellowship Award for Individual Excellence (2009) Curriculum Innovation Award (2007) Queens Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education (2005) As chair of multiple education and outreach panels (2016-2025), he has shaped astronomy policy and public engagement strategies. He received STFC grants for STEM capacity building (2020) and BBSRC funding for citizen science projects (2019).
Dr. Jacqueline McCleary is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Northeastern University's College of Science, specializing in observational cosmology with a focus on galaxy clusters and dark matter. She leads research using weak gravitational lensing to study cosmic structures, collaborating on projects like the COSMOS-Web (JWST), SuperBIT (balloon telescope), and LoVoCCS surveys. Her work leverages multi-wavelength data from space, stratospheric, and ground-based observatories. Education: M.S. in Astronomy (New Mexico State University), M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics (Brown University), Postdoctoral Fellow at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She transitioned to Northeastern as an ADVANCE Future Faculty Fellow before becoming a tenure-track faculty member in 2022. Research Interests: Dark matter interactions, galaxy cluster dynamics, gravitational lensing techniques, and next-generation observational platforms. Her team develops advanced algorithms and instrumentation for high-resolution imaging. Recent Contributions: COSMOS-Web has enabled unprecedented observations of distant galaxies using JWST, while SuperBIT's stratospheric flights provide diffraction-limited data. Key publications focus on lensing surveys, data reduction techniques, and dark matter-halo relationships. Awards: Recognized as a Northeastern ADVANCE Future Faculty Fellow. Media Engagement: Regularly comments on space exploration, asteroid risks, and cosmic phenomena for public outlets.
Sophie Pinkham is Professor of Practice in the Comparative Literature Department at Cornell University and an IES Faculty Associate at the Institute for European Studies. She holds teaching positions in Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences, where she contributes to the Russian and Comparative Literature programs, teaching courses including 'The Revolutionary as Author: Autobiography and Political Myth' and 'Writing for the Public: Adapting Academic Work for a General Audience' for Spring 2025. Columbia University (PhD in Slavic Languages and Literatures) Harriman Institute (MA in Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies) Yale University (BA) Pinkham's research centers on post-Soviet and post-socialist literature, culture, and politics, with a particular focus on Russia and Ukraine. Her academic interests encompass literature and film of the Russian Empire, Soviet Union, and post-Soviet states; memory politics and post-socialism; environmental humanities; poetics of censorship; language politics and translation; and Siberia. Her current major project is a history of the forest in the Russian imagination, exploring the forest's role in myth, culture, and politics throughout Russian history from Mongol invasions to contemporary conflicts in Ukraine. Her extensive publications reveal consistent thematic trends across disciplines including Russian studies, political analysis, environmental history, and literary criticism. Pinkham's work demonstrates particular expertise in analyzing the intersection of cultural production with political realities in post-Soviet spaces, often highlighting how historical narratives shape contemporary conflicts. Her articles frequently examine how environmental factors, historical memory, and cultural artifacts intersect with political power structures. 2023 British Journalism Award for 'Lost in a Dark Wood' on migrants in the forest on the Belarusian-Polish border Shortlisted for True Story Award for the same article Pinkham has received significant research support, most notably a 2022-23 National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholar grant supporting both her book project 'The Oak and the Larch: A Forest History of Russia and Its Empires' and her award-winning Economist 1843 story. Her work bridges academic scholarship and public intellectual engagement, with frequent contributions to major publications serving as a critical voice on Russian and Ukrainian affairs during a period of escalating geopolitical tensions. While she previously worked in international public health in Eastern Europe and Central Asia focusing on HIV, drug use, and women's health, her current focus remains firmly on cultural and political analysis of the post-Soviet space. Though not explicitly affiliated with a specific research lab, Pinkham's work connects with broader scholarly networks through her involvement with Cornell's Institute for European Studies and her interdisciplinary approach that bridges literary studies, history, political science, and environmental humanities.
Agnieszka Roginska is a Professor of Music Technology at the Steinhardt School, New York University, specializing in immersive audio, spatial sound, and auditory displays. Her work integrates acoustic science with virtual reality and medical applications, including postural stability studies for vestibular rehabilitation. She holds leadership roles as AES President-Elect and co-edited the authoritative book 'Immersive Sound'. Education: B.A. in Piano Performance and Computer Applications in Music (McGill University, 1996); M.M. in Music Technology (NYU, 1998); Ph.D. in Music Technology (Northwestern University, 2004). Research focuses on 3D audio technologies, auditory displays for virtual environments, and sensory integration studies. She leads NYU's Music and Audio Research Lab (MARL) and advises the Society for Women in TeCHnology (SWiTCH) at NYU. Awards include AES Fellowship and leadership in international audio engineering societies. Recent publications emphasize audio's role in postural control, distributed music performance frameworks (Holodeck), and VR sound design. Her work bridges technical innovation with artistic applications, including collaborative music systems in mixed reality.
Jennifer Roberts is the Drew Gilpin Faust Professor of the Humanities at Harvard University, specializing in American and contemporary art. She serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies and has held the Slade Professorship at Cambridge University (2019) and delivered the 2021 Mellon Lectures at the National Gallery of Art. Her research bridges the arts, natural sciences, and material culture studies. Her scholarly work investigates the material intelligence of art and its creators, with a focus on the challenges of transmitting meaning across time and space. Current projects include a book co-authored with artist Dario Robleto (forthcoming 2026) analyzing the Voyager Golden Record's life-signature engravings, supported by the Sloan Foundation. She has also pioneered interdisciplinary courses integrating printmaking theory with studio practice alongside Matt Saunders. Roberts' research has shaped key themes in art history, including the intersections of printmaking, telegraphy, and visual communication. Her work explores how physical operations like reversal and transfer in printing influence artistic logic, as seen in her curated exhibition Jasper Johns/In Press and her forthcoming Contact book. She actively produces photography for scholarly contexts, including Harvard's astronomical glass plate collection. Her publications demonstrate a consistent focus on materiality, from 18th-19th century American visual communication in Transporting Visions (2014) to early conceptualizations of time in Robert Smithson's work ( Mirror-Travels , 2004). The Minding Making Project at Harvard further underscores her commitment to artisanal knowledge as academic research methodology.
Joseph Darowski is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Brigham Young University, affiliated with the College of Humanities. His academic work bridges literary analysis and cultural studies, with a focus on American popular media. Research Interests: Dr. Darowski specializes in American popular culture, particularly comic books, television, and film. His scholarship explores how media reflects and shapes societal issues such as race, gender, identity, and class. He has made significant contributions to the study of superhero narratives, situating them within broader historical and cultural contexts. Publication Trends: His body of work reveals a sustained engagement with cultural history through long-running television series and superhero comics. He examines how shows like Cheers , Frasier , and Survivor , as well as franchises like X-Men and Superman , serve as mirrors to American values across decades. His edited essay collections, particularly the Ages of Superheroes series, demonstrate interdisciplinary rigor and thematic breadth. Teaching and Service: He teaches courses in English, likely covering topics in media, literature, and cultural studies. While no formal advising or grant information is provided, his extensive publication record suggests active scholarly engagement.
Artur Davoyan serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), based in room 46-147E of Engineering IV. He leads the Davoyan Research Group, focusing on revolutionary technologies for space exploration and advanced materials systems. Education: Australian National University, 2011 Research Expertise: Dr. Davoyan pioneers breakthrough propulsion systems including pellet-beam propulsion and light sails capable of interstellar travel at unprecedented speeds. His work integrates high-power laser technology, nanoscale materials engineering, and optoelectronic device development for applications in space, energy, and communications. Key specialties encompass metamaterials, plasmonics, and metasurfaces for manipulating light-matter interactions at fundamental levels. Research Impact: His innovations have driven extensive media coverage across Wired, Space.com, and The U.S. Sun (2021-2023), highlighting concepts like smartphone-sized laser-propelled spacecraft and 5-year voyages to Voyager 1. This research receives support from NASA initiatives and UCLA funding programs including the Promise Institute grant (2021-22). Research Infrastructure: The Davoyan Research Group operates as the primary hub for developing next-generation propulsion technologies and advanced materials, with ongoing projects targeting solar system exploration and interstellar mission capabilities through laser-matter interaction physics.
Professor Timothy Schmidt is the Head of the School of Chemistry at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He holds a BSc (Hons 1M) from the University of Sydney (1997) and a PhD in femtosecond spectroscopy from the University of Cambridge (2002). His research focuses on molecular spectroscopy, astrochemistry, and quantum chemistry, with notable contributions to singlet fission, triplet-triplet annihilation, and exciton science. He is a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science and has received prestigious awards such as the Coblentz Award (2010) and the RACI Physical Chemistry Medal (2021). His work spans solar energy conversion, interstellar chemistry, and advanced materials. Key grants include the $31.9M ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science (2017-23) and a $403k Discovery Grant for astrochemical spectroscopy (2019-21). He leads the development of photon upconversion technologies and has pioneered studies on carbon-based molecules in space. His teaching includes courses in physical chemistry and advanced chemistry for first-year students. Prof. Schmidt’s labs are based in the Dalton Building and Science and Engineering Building at UNSW, with a focus on cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques. He actively engages in public science communication, including National Science Week talks. His research bridges fundamental physics and applied chemistry, addressing global challenges in energy and materials science.
